TUSCALOOSA _ University of Alabama running back Mark Ingram returned to practice Monday after being excused for two days to attend his grandfather's funeral in Michigan.

While the rest of the Crimson Tide wore pads for the first time in camp he had on shells like he would have the first day he missed.

"I did everything that the team did," Ingram said. "I just had shorts on."

In his first interview since camp opened, Ingram took a little time to reminisce with reporters about Arthur Johnson, who was 75.

"It was tough," he said. "This is my time it was someone in my family. He was special person. I know he'd want me here practicing and getting ready for the season because that's what he always looked forward to."

Ingram left the team early Friday and spoke to the congregation during Saturday's service, while also serving as a pallbearer. He described Nick Saban and the Alabama coaches as encouraging and received numerous messages from teammates during the trip.

Johnson, a former standout athlete himself, was a big part of Ingram's life while he was growing up, taking him to practices and games and frequently offered advice.

"He taught me how to compete," Ingram said.

One of his favorite memories, though, was his grandfather's reaction after winning the Heisman Trophy.

"He was the happiest dude ever," Ingram reflected. "We were taking pictures and stuff and he was talking in the middle of the pictures, so we have pictures and he's just running his mouth. He was smiling, grabbing the trophy like it was his. He had three daughters so I guess I was like a son to him.

"He's like my second father."

Johnson called his grandson, "Big Dog."

Keep an eye on them

Numerous Alabama players were named to watch lists for some of the most prominent awards in college football Monday.

Ingram was named to the watch list for the Walter Camp Award, which goes to the most outstanding player.

He was also named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award, along with wide receiver Julio Jones and quarterback Greg McElroy. The Maxwell has honored the top collegiate football player since 1937 and is named in honor of sportswriter Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell.

Semifinalists for the Maxwell and Bednarik awards will be announced on Nov. 8, with the finalists revealed Nov. 22. Ingram was a finalist for the Camp and Maxwell last year, but Alabama has never won either award or the Walter Camp.

"It's great to be up for awards, and it's great to win awards, but if you don't take care of home first nothing else really matters," Ingram said. "As long as I go out there and play the best I can play and the team wins everything else will take care of itself."

Incidentally, Ingram believes he's already a better player than last year and better student of defenses.

Although a couple of players got a little banged up during Fan Day, no one wore black during Monday's workout and there appeared to be no new significant injuries.

Safety Kendall Kelly remained out after having heat-related issues during his first practice Thursday night. It appeared that Hunter Bush was added to the 105-man roster and practiced in his place.

Tide-bits

Ingram set the record straight about his famous gloves shot after scoring a touchdown in the national championship game. "I just liked the gloves, I was just showing the 'A.' A lot of the guys had them, they make special stuff like that us for the bowl games. We'll all get different gloves and different cleats than we had for the season. I just liked those gloves and thought everyone should see them." The pair he wore ripped, but Ingram has another pair set aside.

Ingram on Tim Tebow's haircut from Denver teammates giving him the friar look: "I'm going to have to text him about that," he finally said after laughing. But when asked if he might someday get similar treatment: "They aren't touching my head. I'll go get some donuts and I'll carry pads off the field, but don't touch my head."

Monday was one of the hottest days yet for players as the temperature was 96 degrees during practice with a heat index of 105. The first full-squad two-a-day will be Tuesday, with the morning session at 9:30 a.m. and players returning to the field at 7:30 p.m. The Crimson Tide, except Ingram, will be in pads in the morning and shorts for the evening. All practices are closed to the public.